BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Friday suspended an official for negligence in maintaining revenue records during a surprise inspection of the Devanahalli tahsildar’s office, warning that work must be completed without unnecessary delay and that negligence in maintenance of revenue records, disposal of land-related applications or delivery of public services would not be tolerated.
Speaking to reporters, he said the purpose of the surprise visit was to personally understand the problems people face when they come to the taluk office, how officials respond to them and the stage at which their applications are pending.
Parameshwara said he inspected all sections of the Devanahalli tahsildar’s office and found certain anomalies, for which the officials concerned were instructed to take corrective action. He said his surprise visits will continue to assess whether public work is being carried out smoothly and whether government services are reaching people properly.
He said members of the public had brought to his attention problems relating to the disposal of applications concerning Bagair Hukum lands. In particular, grievances were raised that some applications had either been rejected or remained unresolved because of the 18-km radius rule. The minister said the government will discuss at the appropriate level whether applications submitted before the 18-km rule came into force can be considered, and necessary directions will be issued, he said.
He also noted delays in ‘Podi’ and ‘Durasti’ works and said officials have been instructed to dispose of pending cases at the earliest. Parameshwara said the government is implementing the Prajaseve programme to resolve public grievances and the applications received under the programme in Devanahalli taluk and their disposal status were also reviewed.
He said more than 300 applications have been received under Prajaseve to resolve public grievances, of which over 60% have been disposed of.
Four taluks in Bengaluru Rural declared drought-hit
Dr Parameshwara said the state has experienced severe rainfall deficiency and farmers are in distress. Overall rainfall has remained below expected levels, and Hoskote, Devanahalli, Doddaballapur and Nelamangala taluks in Bengaluru Rural district have already been declared drought-affected.
Since these four taluks have been declared drought-affected, they are eligible for drought relief and other assistance under government norms. The district administration has been instructed to take measures to provide drinking water, necessary relief to farmers and carry out emergency works.